Rectal Bleeding
What is rectal bleeding?
A condition where a small amount of blood appears outside the anus.
This blood may appear as:
- Visible blood on toilet paper used to wipe the anus.
- Drops of blood on the toilet seat.
- Blood in the stool.
- Bright red blood.
What are the causes of rectal bleeding?
Causes related to anal diseases and issues:
- Hemorrhoids: One of the most common causes of rectal bleeding.
- Anal fissure: A tear in the lining of the anus.
- Anal abscess.
Causes related to gastrointestinal diseases:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Ulcers affecting the lining of the stomach or duodenum.
- Digestive polyps: Small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon and may develop into colon cancer over time.
- Diverticulitis: The presence of small pouches in the lining of the intestine.
Other causes of bleeding:
- nfections and various types of infections.
- Anal injury.
- Colon cancer.
- Radiation therapy
What symptoms can be felt with bleeding?
- Pain in the anus.
- Presence of bright red or black blood in the stool.
- Lower back pain and pain in various parts of the digestive system.
- General fatigue and paleness.
- Anemia.
- Vomiting blood.
- Dizziness.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Visiting a gastroenterologist who will:
- Perform a physical examination.
- Conduct a colonoscopy.
- Use CT imaging.
Treatment methods:
- Internal endoscopy to inject certain medications in the bleeding area.
- External ointments and creams to help treat bleeding caused by hemorrhoids.
- Surgery to treat bleeding caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal abscesses, or cancerous tumors.
Guidelines and advice for living with the condition:
- Eat foods rich in fiber.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain cleanliness in the rectal area.
Role of colonoscopy in diagnosing and treating rectal bleeding:
A colonoscopy is used to detect changes such as:
- Swelling or inflammation of tissues.
- Detecting the presence of colon polyps.
- Detecting cancerous changes in the rectum or colon.
It is also used to treat some problems such as:
- Removing polyps and other abnormal tissues during the procedure, and a sample may be taken for precise diagnosis.
